IMPROV MURDER MYSTERY DINNER INTENSIVE SUMMER CAMP
at Lewisville High School Stuver Auditorium
Unlock your potential and immerse yourself in a thrilling experience like no other at our Improv Murder Mystery Camp Intensive! Embark on a journey where you are the detective, and the stage is your crime scene. Sharpen your instincts, ignite your creativity, and nurture your passion for the dramatic arts. Our camp offers a unique blend of technical theatre and acting workshops that will take your talent to new heights. So, whether you're a seasoned actor hungry for a new challenge or a budding thespian eager to take your first steps into the limelight, our Improv Murder Mystery Camp Intensive is the perfect opportunity to refine your craft, ignite your creativity, and build lifelong connections.
Session 1 — High School
Session 1 — $250 for LISD Students
— $300 for Non- LISD Students
Partial Scholarships can be offered on a needs basis — email holtl@lisd.net for details
Monday, June 3 — Friday June 7 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Murder Mystery Dinner student public performance on Friday, June 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
This camp is designed for: Rising 9th Graders through Rising 12th Graders
Session 2 — Middle School
Session 2 — $250 for LISD Students
— $300 for Non- LISD Students
Partial Scholarships can be offered on a needs basis — email holtl@lisd.net for details
Monday, June 10 — Friday June 14 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Murder Mystery Dinner student public performance on Friday, June 14 @ 6:00 p.m.
This camp is designed for: Rising 5th Graders through Rising 8th Graders
Camp Schedule
Monday
8:30–9:30 — Camper Check In and begin Warm-up Games
9:30–10:30 — Playwriting Lab
10:30–11:30 — Outdoor Games
11:30–12:00 — Lunch (students bring sack lunch or participate in LISD free lunch program)
12:00–1:30 — Acting Workshop: Developing the Character Physically
Tech Workshop: Tech Design Workshop
1:30–2:00 — Continue Playwriting Lab
2:00–3:00 — Production Hour (Actors and Technicians work together on developing the play)
3:00–3:30 — Camper Pick Up and Check Out
Tuesday
8:30–9:30 — Camper Check In and begin Warm-up Games
9:30–10:30 — Playwriting Lab
10:30–11:30 — Outdoor Games
11:30–12:00 — Lunch (students bring sack lunch or participate in LISD free lunch program)
12:00–1:30 — Acting workshop: Introduction to Improv
Tech Workshop: Stage Lighting Workshop/Costuming Workshop
1:30–2:00 — Continue Playwriting Lab
2:00–3:00 — Production Hour (Actors and Technicians work together on developing the play)
3:00–3:30 — Camper Pick Up and Check Out
Wednesday
8:30–9:30 — Camper Check In and begin Warm-up Games
9:30–10:30 — Playwriting Lab
10:30–11:30 — Outdoor Games
11:30–12:00 — Lunch (students bring sack lunch or participate in LISD free lunch program)
12:00–1:00 — Acting workshop: Building a Character Vocally and Voice Acting
Tech Workshop: Stage Prop Making Workshop
1:00–2:00 — Rehearsal and Tech
2:00–3:00 — Production Hour (Actors and Technicians work together on developing the play)
3:00–3:30 — Camper Pick Up and Check Out
Thursday
8:30–9:30 — Camper Check In and begin Warm-up Games
9:30–10:30 — Rehearsal and Tech
10:30–11:00 — Outdoor Games
11:30–12:00 — Lunch (students bring sack lunch or participate in LISD free lunch program)
11:00–12:00 — Acting Workshop: Advanced Movement and Character Development
Tech Workshop: Setting Up for Cue to Cue
12:00–3:00 — Cue to Cue and Rehearsal
3:00–3:30 — Camper Pick Up and Check Out
Friday
8:30–9:30 — Camper Check In and begin Warm-up Games
9:30–10:30 — Dress Rehearsal
10:30–11:30 — Outdoor Games
11:30–12:00 — Lunch (students bring sack lunch or participate in LISD free lunch program)
11:30–1:00 — Acting Workshop: Advanced Improv
Tech Workshop: Make-up Design and Application
1:00–2:00 — Rehearsal and Tech
2:00–3:00 — Production Hour (Actors and Technicians work together on developing the play)
3:00–3:30 — Camper Pick Up and Check Out
5:00 p.m. — Campers Actors and Technicians check in for 6:00 p.m. Performance
6:00 p.m. — Students Perform Their Murder Mystery for Family and Friends
Based on camper enrollment size, it may be necessary to divide into 2 performances. Parents will be informed in advance which performance time their students will assigned to.
6:00 p.m. — Camper arrive to prepare for 7:00 p.m. performance
7:00 p.m. — Students perform their murder mystery for their family and friends
Meet the Teaching Artists
Lauren Holt is a seasoned acting and directing professional with a passion for teaching and fostering young talent. With a solid background in theater education, Lauren has dedicated 9 years of her career to instructing students at Carrollton Christian Academy for 2 years, Coppell for 5 years, and Lewisville High School for 1 year. Lauren has directed over 45 productions. Lauren's portfolio includes a variety of impressive works such as The Diary of Anne Frank, Peter and the Star Catcher, SpongeBob the Musical, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer the Musical, Murder at the CCA Academy Awards, The Greatest Murder on Earth, and Murder in the Mirror. In addition to her work in educational institutions, Lauren has been actively involved in the local Dallas theater scene, showcasing her talents in productions with the Dinner Detective team and Grapevine's Shakespeare in the Park. This summer, Lauren is thrilled to bring her expertise to a Murder Mystery Summer Intensive Camp, where she will guide students in delving into the world of mystery and suspense. With a focus on storytelling, character development, and creative problem-solving, Lauren aims to empower young artists to explore their artistic potential and hone their craft. As a dedicated educator, Lauren is enthusiastic about working with students this summer to help them hone their skills and unleash their potential as artists. With a commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence in her students, Lauren Holt continues to inspire and uplift budding talent in the world of theater.
Zeph Kenna is a highly skilled technical director with a wealth of experience in the theatre industry. With a Master's degree in Theatre from the University of Houston, Zeph's expertise and knowledge in technical theatre are unparalleled. Zeph has honed his craft at Copper Theatre, where he excelled as a lighting and sound designer, bringing productions to life with his creative vision and technical proficiency. He has also collaborated with Texas Live, showcasing his talents in projections, lighting, and sound engineering, adding a unique dimension to the live performance experience. In addition to his work at professional theatres, Zeph has served as a technical director in various high schools for the past two years. His experience working with young students has allowed him to develop a keen understanding of how to mentor and guide aspiring technical theatre enthusiasts. Zeph's technical directing credits include a range of noteworthy shows such as The SpongeBob Musical, Big Fish the Musical, Xanadu the Musical, Blithe Spirit, and Puffs, showcasing his ability to execute complex technical designs and bring a director's vision to life with precision and expertise. Zeph is thrilled to bring his passion for technical theatre to students this summer as part of the Murder Mystery Dinner Intensive summer camp.
Karen Ruth is a dynamic and accomplished professional in the world of acting, directing, and comedy, with a wealth of experience and a strong educational background. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from UCLA, a testament to her dedication to honing her craft and deepening her understanding of the performing arts. Karen has made significant contributions to the theatre scene in Dallas and beyond. Her passion for teaching led her to spend 8 years shaping the talents of aspiring actors, with one of her most notable educational roles being the Head Director at Coppell High School, where she mentored students and fostered a love for the stage. As a director, Karen has led over 40 productions with flair and creativity, showcasing her ability to bring stories to life on stage. Some of her most notable directorial works include All Shook Up, Trap, By the Bog of Cats, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Newsies, The SpongeBob Musical, and Once On This Island. Karen's acting talent has graced stages across Dallas, with appearances in productions with esteemed organizations such as the Dinner Detective, Shakespeare Dallas, Pocket Sandwich Theater, and Grapevine's Shakespeare in the Park. In addition to her work in traditional theatre, Karen is a local stand-up comedian who has delighted audiences at popular venues such as the Addison Improv, Plano House of Comedy, and Dallas Comedy Club. As a professional improviser, Karen excels in thinking on her feet and engaging audiences with her spontaneity. She is excited to share her expertise with students this summer, helping them develop their improv and comedy skills and encouraging them to unleash their creativity on stage. Karen's blend of talent, experience, and education makes her a valuable mentor and inspiration to aspiring performers.
Erin Noble began her career like many young theatre geeks in local productions as a teenager. This led her to pursue her BFA in Acting at SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts in New York. Since arriving in DFW she has worked professionally in theatre, film and voice over. Recently, she went on tour with the first professional production of a new musical, BINGO Jamboree!, where she originated the role of Debra. You can hear her voice in popular anime shows and films including Chainsaw Man, Trigun Stampede, and the Psycho-Pass franchise. She has been featured in multiple immersive productions including House of Spirits and The Mad Hatters Gin & Tea Party. You can also find her traveling around Texas and the surrounding states performing comedy with Take 1 Improv. She’s so grateful to Lauren for inviting her to join the team and she can’t wait to see how this group of young actors will grow in this summer!
Mandy Rojas is a dedicated educator and seasoned theatre professional with a wealth of experience in the field. She has a strong background in directing and technical theatre, Mandy has honed her skills as a prop maker and has brought countless productions to life on stage. Having worked at Hedrick Middle School in Lewisville ISD for 5 years as their head director, Mandy has made a significant impact on the arts education community. She is recognized as an LISD Model Teacher and serves as a Teach Fine Art Curriculum advisor, guiding the next generation of theatre enthusiasts in developing their craft. Mandy currently serves as an associate director for Lewisville High School at Harmon, where she continues to inspire and mentor young talent. In addition to her work in the classroom, Mandy is a sought-after lecturer at various conferences and summits, including UTeach Fine Arts, TXETA and Theatre Fest, Houston ISD Fine Arts Summit, and the UIL Student Activity Conference. She is a founding member of the TXETA Equity & Diversity Committee, as well as the Newsletter editor for the TXETA Communication Committee. Mandy also lends her expertise to the LISD Theatre Leadership Committee, where she plays a vital role in shaping the future of arts education in her district. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence, Mandy Rojas continues to inspire and educate those around her, leaving a lasting impression on the world of theatre.